Tree roots on slopes

[Paul in the woods]

I'm trying to work out how close I can plant a wind break to a garden. The garden faces south and the trees will be on the southern edge on a fairly steep slope.

 

My main concern is the roots robbing the garden of too many nutrients and moisture but I don't know how much of a problem this will be. If the garden is about 3 foot higher than the tree will the roots grow up the slope? I assume they will but if I raised the garden so in effect it was about 6 foot above the base of trees will the roots grow that high?

 

I can plant the trees further away but due to the slope they will need to grow much higher to be an effective wind break.

[Marula]

What trees do you want to plant?

And what makes you worry about the trees using to many nutrients? As in what's your thinking behind it? Is there certain delicate flowers or plants there etc?

[Paul in the woods]

I've not decided on the trees, I'm contemplating hybrid poplar as they would be quick to establish but know pop roots can sucker.

 

The garden will be a fruit and veg garden, so I'm more concerned with the roots out competing the fruit and veg or becoming a pain when digging.

[Marula]

If your worried about riots you could put in a root barrier.

[One Buck]

If you plant alder they will actually add nitrogen to your soils .. Get yourself a copy of 'Creating a Forest Garden' by Martin Crawford. Some genius stuff

[Paul in the woods]

I've been growing fruit amongst alder trees for several years now. I'm not keen on planting root crops through the roots though (too much work) and for the veg patch I'll have plenty of compost for the nitrogen.

 

I could put in some sort of barrier but don't know if it's required - hence the question.

[treeseer]

It's required, from the sounds of it.

[OakStag]

best option would be a root barrier in my opinion.

 

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[Paul in the woods]

If I put in a barrier wouldn't I still need to know how much the roots could grow up to know how deep to put a barrier?

 

By the sounds of it I'll have to go for planting the trees further away.

[Marula]

If I put in a barrier wouldn't I still need to know how much the roots could grow up to know how deep to put a barrier?

 

By the sounds of it I'll have to go for planting the trees further away.

 

 

Sorry if I missed it, but how far do you want to currently plant the trees?